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02.17.25

Why Workplace Inclusion Matters: The Business Case for DEI

By Sadie Rudolph, Vice President of Strategic Communications, FMWF Chamber

Inclusion Insights, DEI, Diversity, Workforce

Attendees from the Feb. 12 Inclusion Insights session take notes from Whitney Harvey's (Minnesota Chamber) presentation.

Inclusion is about doing what’s right and it’s also smart business. Organizations that embrace diversity and equity see tangible benefits, from innovation to financial performance. Whitney Harvey, Senior Director of Workforce Diversity and Inclusion at the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, shared key insights during her Inclusion Insights presentation on why inclusive workplaces thrive. 

Business Benefits of Inclusion

  • More Innovative Thinking: Diverse teams bring fresh perspectives, fostering creativity and problem-solving. 
  • Higher Retention Rates: Employees who feel valued and respected are more likely to stay, reducing costly turnover. 
  • Higher Employee Morale: Inclusion fosters job satisfaction, engagement and productivity. 
  • Better Financial Outcomes: Research shows that diverse teams outperform less inclusive counterparts in revenue and profitability. 
  • Competitive Advantage: Companies with inclusive cultures attract top talent, enhance customer trust and expand market reach. 

Laying the Foundation for Inclusion

For DEI initiatives to succeed, organizations must define their "Why" and take actionable steps: 

  • Identify the opportunity: Assess gaps in your organization’s inclusivity efforts. 
  • Define your terminology: Clearly articulate what DEI means for your company. 
  • Set a clear mission and vision: Align DEI efforts with business goals. 
  • Secure leadership buy-in: Inclusion starts at the top. 
  • Engage key stakeholders: Build a team to champion workplace inclusion. 

Inclusion is a business imperative that drives success. By embracing DEI, organizations can enhance innovation, employee satisfaction, and financial performance. The time to invest in workplace inclusion is now—don’t get left behind. 

Ready to take the next step?

Register for session three where Whitney will recap the first two sessions and teach us how to operationalize inclusion solutions. This session is scheduled for March 12 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. at the Armory Event Center in Moorhead, Minn.

Drive for 5, Career Force

The State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) funded (or funded in part) this training through a grant. The grant recipient created this training opportunity. DEED does not endorse this publicity or training or make guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership of the information herein or elsewhere.Â